Lubricating apparatus



l3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 4. 1944 June 1 3, 1950 Filed Oct. 4, 1944J. T. LEONARD LUBRICATING APPARATUS 13 Sheets-Sheet 3 13 Sheets-Sheet 4Filed Oct. 4, 1944 June 13, 1950 J. T. LEONARD 2,511,779

LUBRICATING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 4, 1944 13 sheets-shes: 5

June 13, 1950 J. TQLEONARD LUBRICATING APPARATUS 13 sheets-sheet '6Filed Oct. 4, 1944 u lll ll June 13, 1950 J. 'r. LEONARD 2,511,779

LUBRICATING APPARATUS Filed 001:. 4, 1944 1:5 Shejets-Sheet 7 13Sheets-Shed; 8

Filed Oct. 4, 1944 June 13, 1950 J. T. LEONARD 2,511,719

I LUBRICATING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 4, 1944 13 Sheets-Sheet 9 J/ZzfZm/mmdJune 13, 1950 J. T. LEONARD LUBRICATING APPARATUS i3 Sixets-Sheet 10Filed 001:. 4. 1944 ii I June '13, 1950 ,J. T. LEONARD LUBRICA'IINGAPPARATUS 13 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed Oct. 4.;l944

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13 Sheets-Sheet 12 J. T. LEONARD LUBRICATING APPARATUS June 13, 1950Filed Oct. 4', 1944 ll mi WM m x x mm m m Z g June '13, 1950 J. T.LEONARD 2, 1 ,77

LUBRICATING APPARATUS Filed 001'.- 4, 1944 13 Sheets-Sheet 13 mew? jjzemw Patented June 13, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 13 Claims.

My invention relates generally to lubricating apparatus and moreparticularly to centralized lubricating systems whereby a plurality ofdistributed bearings may be expeditiously lubricated from a centralcontrol station.

It is an object of my invention to provide a simplified centrallubricating system for supplying measured charges of lubricant to aplurality of distributed bearings.

A further object is to provide an improved central control valve forcontrolling the distribution of measured charges of lubricant to aplurality of parts requiring lubrication.

A further object is to provide an improved lubricating system of theabove mentioned type, in which the measured charges of lubricantsupplied to the various bearings may be individually varied to suit therequirements of each particular installation. Y

A further object is to provide an improved centralized lubricatingsystem employing a central Figs. 4 and 5 are transverse sectional viewstaken on the lines 4-4 and 5-5, respectively, of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1,and corresponds exactly with the section taken on the line Ga-Ba, andsubstantially with the section taken on the line Gb-Bb;

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line '|1 of Fig. 1,and is substantially identical with the sections taken on the linesla-1a and lb1b, respectively;

Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a modified form of thecontrol valve, taken through the center thereof;

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line I0l0 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view taken on the irregular linell-ll of Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional view taken on the irregular lineI2--I2 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line |3l3 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line l4|4 of Fig. 9,and is identical with a section. taken on the line l4al4a of Fig. 9;

Fig. 15 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line l5-l5 of Fig.9, and is identical with a section taken on the line l5al5a of Fig. 9;and

Fig. 16 is a transverse sectional view taken on the irregular lineIii-l6 of Fig. 9.

In general, this application discloses two similar forms of theinvention, in one of which, shown in Figs. 1 to 8, the measuring of thecharges of lubricant supplied to the bearings is accomplished by theso-called manifold system in which all of the charge measuring devicesoperate substantially simultaneously, whereas in the other embodiment ofthe invention, shown in Figs. 9 to 16, the charges of lubricant aresupplied to the bearings sequentially by the charge measuring device,this latter system being usually referred to as a progressive system. Inother respects the two embodiments of the invention are similar.

Referring to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 9, there is provided abody casting 20 having a generally central bore 22 therein for thereception of a plug'valve 24. The plug valve may be lapped in place andis held in position between a hollow plug 26 and a bushing 28, thelatter bearing against the end face of a mutilated gear portion 30.Beyond the mutilated gear portion 30 is a small diameter pin-likeextension 32 which projects through the bushing 28 and a packing gland33 which is threaded in said bushing. A position indicator arm may beattached to the end of the extension 32, or a suitable mechanicalconnection may be made between this shaft and a counter or otherregister indicating the number of times that the apparatus has beenoperated. The plugs 26 and 28 are provided with suitable gaskets so asto seal the ends of the bore 22.

A plunger 34 having a rack portion 36 (Fig. 4) is reciprocable in atransverse bore 38 formed in the body casting 2B, the rack portion 36meshing with the teeth of mutilated gear 30. This plunger 34 forms themeans for rotating the plug valve 24. The plunger 34 is reciprocated bythe application and release of lubricant pressure upon the opposite endsthereof.

As best shown in Fig. 4, the opposite ends of the bore 38 are closed byplugs 40 and communicate through passageways 42, 43 with a bore 44 inwhich a multi-groove" spool valve 46 is freely reciprocable. The ends ofthe bore 44 are suitably plugged. The ends of bore 38 also communicatewith valve chambers 48, 49 through passageways 50, 5|, respectively.Within the valve chamber 48 is located a ball valve 52 (Fig. l) capableof closing the end of a pasageway 54, the ball valve being held againstthe seat by a retainer 56 pressed downwardly by a precompressed coilspring 58, the degree of compression of said spring A similar battery ofcylinders I04 (Fig. 3) are being adjustable by means of a threaded plug60 formed in the body casting 20 on the diametrically closing the upperend of the valve chamber 58. opposite side of the plug valve 24, each ofthese A similarly constructed check valve 59 is locatedcylinders'beingprovided withia ;plunger I06, the in the valve chamber 49and is adapted to close strokes of "these plungersbeing'adjustablylimthe end of a passageway 62 (Fig. 5). ited in the same manner as arethe plungers 98.

Lubricant is adapted to be supplied to the con- As best shown in Fig. 7,the ends of the cylintrol valve from any suitable controlled source of'dBI'"96 have passageways I08, I59 respectively lubricant under pressureconnected to an inlet connecting therewith, these passagewaystermiopening 64 (Figs. 1, 4, and 5) througha port 66mm mating inthe bore22 of the plug valve 24. The Lubricant is adapted to be discharged to.bearp1ug-..valve :is provided with a plurality of diaings, as willappear hereinafter, through portslfi metral passageways III which, whenthe plug and II which lead into the bore 44. valve is-in the positionshown in Fig. 7, connect The spool valve 56 is. provided with threepethe passageways I89 with passageways H2 lead- :ripheral grooves 12, 13, and 14. It will be noted 5 ing to ibearings to ;be lubricated;-.while= when the .that ithe reciprocation of'the-spool valve "46 is;;plug valve .is rotatedrapproximately !90- clocklimited by: plugs "I5.to an'extent such that the lwise"iromtthe vpositionshowniin Fig.7,'thepas- ,groove 12 thereof is always in communication sa'gewaysI-I-ElconnectthepassagewaysjStandiI3, withwpassageway 42, the groove -13thereof always the latter also leading-to-beanings requiringlubriinscommunication. with the; passageway 65, and cation.

the groove M thereof always in communication Similarly, passageways H4and I I5-,-are.conwith passageway. .The. groove 13 is also in -nectedrespectively to the -opposite ends of .communication with arpassageway16 at all times. the cylinders I 04 and lead to .the: plug valve boreThe endsof the bore-44 have passageways 86 (-22. Diametralzpassageways'Miawhenthe plug and-BI connected thereto respectively. As shown 5valveds in -:the:positi0n shown in-Fig.6, connect tin-Fig. 5, there,-are a pair of passageways-82, 83 passageways-H5 (and II8,.whilewhen-the,plug .which lead from the borev 22 ofv the plug valve valve isrotatedthrough-=90-fr0m-the-position ..to bearings to be lubricated, thebearings being shown in Fig. 6,-,'thesepassagewaysal Itconnect:connectedto these passageways by suitable con- ,passagewaystld-and- II9,-the.passagewaysII-8 and :duits threaded in tapped .holes -84; 86,respec- H9- beingsuitablyconnectedto individual-parts ..tively. .to belubricated.

, Asbest shown in Fig. 5, the plug valve 24 has -As:shown.in Fig-B,thepassageways .108 and ..a diametral passageway :88 .which is adaptedto I69, connected to the ends of, the-lowermost cyl- :connect pasageways8B and.-8 3,which in the posi--inder-flit-have-passageways.;I25J;and..I2 I- respection shown in Fig.5, connectspassagewaystli and ti-vely. c,ommunicating .therewith,,..thelatter' pas- 83, but which, when the plug valve 24 is rotated-.sageways communicating -respectively through l'clockwisethrough'an'angle-of approximately 90" ,passageways -.I22 and123-.with-manifo1d zpassageis adapted to connect passageways SI and 82.ways I24 and I25 respectively (Fig. :3). The When inthe position shown,a passageway SI] -merging of thepassageways ;-I22,=passageway. II4,formed in the plug valve connects passageways ioeandthemanifolds-passageway 1.24, -is shown .in :16 and 8|, and when the plugvalve is rotated @Fig. 1. clockwise through-90, .-this passageway 93'con- Assuming that the various cylinders and pasnects'passageway l6and'BD. --sageways are .filledwith a lubricant such as As best shown'indotted lines in Fig. 4 and .in ,grease, .andlthattheinlet-opening,- 64(Fig.5) is full lines in Fig. 2, there is a passageway 92 connected to asuitable-source;of.lubricantunder adapted-to communicate-with-theannulargroove .pressurar-inthe orderof 2000p. s. i., lubricant 13 whenthezspool valve 46is in thepositionshown will flow through .-.theinlet-opening it and 'in Fig.4. Similarly, apassageway'93is adaptedthrough the passageway 92 to the manifold94 :.to communicate with-thegroove 13- when the ..-(Fig. 2),:f01'6i11g1th6 plunger .98 to:theright-and ,spool valve-'izdris injits opposite extreme position. 50ejecting. the lubricantvfromthe rightehand ;(Fig.

shown'in-Fig. 2,the passageway- 92 communi- ;2)-;-end .of thecylinderfifi through the passage- ..cates-with-a'check valved manifoldpassageway -=-ways--I&S,-i I0,:and -I--I2 (Fig.. 7),.- to :one of the.94 extending vertically through .the body casting parts to belubricated. Lubricant will flow in the 2I, while the passageway. .93communicates .with .-pathjustdescribed in-preference-to flowing-downasimilar manifold passageway 95. Intersecting{lo---wardlysthrough.thezmanifold95,.since;the loaded and extendingbetween the manifold passageways ccheck'valve .pl-ug. ,I:B3,-near.- theright-hand endsof n94 and -95,.are a plurality of cylinders 98illusthecuppermost.cylinderilfi will afiord substantial trated as beingthree-innumber, butthe number resistance to flow of lubricant.

;; of which could beincreased .to any extent required After-the uppesflp ger-lilfi has been moved for a particular lubricatinginstallation.Within 60. .to=-the-rig t-t0force itsrmeasured-chargeof lubri-;each-of'the cylinders 96 is a measuring plunger or cant.=to-.itsassociated-bearing;.lubricant will flow piston 98, the stroke.of which is limited. at one downwardly through the-.manifold .QLpastvthe end by a plug-9.9..and atthe other end by an adloaded check valve493, into .theleft-hand end of justing screw IE6 threaded in a plug I02,which is the second cylinder 96, for-cingatheuplungerdt provided withsuitable packing to prevent lubri- .thereinto the'ri'ght andiforc ngzacharge oilubricant from leaking past the adjusting screw I00.cant,-:measured-.by;the.adlustment-oflthead ust- ..It will be 'clearthat by varying the adjustment ing screw I90, to its associatedsbearing.Thereof the screws I00 the strokes of the plunger .93 -aiterthe-lowermost plunger ei l-will.be operated in may be varied as desiredto cause them to disa similar manner. After thelatter.hasoperated,charge diiferent quantities of lubricant. 7 0,lubricantunderrpresure=williflow from rthe left- -Spring loaded checkvalve plugs IIl3 are located hand end of the "lowermost cylinder 296;through 1 in the manifold passageways '94 andbetween ..-the.-passageways408 '(Fig. 8),Ii20-, and I 2 2,--tothe .each pair of adjacent cylinders96. These check lower end of themanifoldJM (Fig. 3) vLubricant valvesofier substantial resistance to lubricant flowingtothelowermost'cylinder Jild willforce ;:flow, in thezorder of-lOO to p.s. i. 7 its plunger I86 to theileftzwgigrfi),;':discharging sure willbuild up sufficiently to flow past the check valve plug I03 and into theintermediate cylinder I04, forcing its plunger I to the left (Fig. 3).Thereafter lubricant will flow upwardly through the manifold I24, pastthe next valve plug I03 into the uppermost cylinder I04,

forcing its plunger to the left and discharging lubricant to itsassociated bearing.

The foregoing completes one-half cycle of operation of the apparatus. Asthe lubricant pressure builds up in the right-hand end of the uppermostcylinder I04 (Fig. 3), it will unseat spring loaded check valve 52 andflow into the valve chamber 48, and hence through passageway 50 into theend of the bore 38 (Fig. 4), thereby forcing the rack plunger 34 to theopposite end of its stroke, and thus rotating Valve plug 24 clockwisethrough an angle of approximately 90. As the rack plunger 34 is thusoperated, lubricant is discharged from the opposite end of the bore 38,passageway 43, around spool valve groove I4, through port II, to abearing to be supplied with lubricant.

Rotation of the plug 24 causes the passageway 90 to connect thepassageways I6 and 80 (Fig. thereby causing flow of lubricant to the(upper, Fig. 5) end of the spool valve, moving the latter to theopposite end of its stroke. When in the latter position, the annulargroove I3 of the spool valve connects the inlet port 66 with the upperend of the passageway 93 (Fig. 2), whereupon lubricant will flow to theright-hand ends of the cylinders 08, thereby successively to force thelatter leftward and eject the lubricant through passageways I08, H0, andH3 (Fig. 7), to their associated bearings.

As before, the loaded check valve plugs I03 afford substantialresistance to the flow of lubricant, so that the plungers 98 willoperate successively and supply lubricant only to their associatedbearings. have moved to the left (Fig. 2), lubricant will flow throughthe passageways I09, I2I, and I23 (Fig. 8), to the lower end of themanifold I25 (Fig. 3) Thus lubricant will be successively supplied tothe left-hand ends of the cylinders I04 to force the plungers I06 to theright, discharging the lubricant through passageways H4, H0,

and I I9, to their associated bearings.

After all of the plungers I06 have been moved to the right (Fig. 3),lubricant will flow past the:-

loaded ball check valve 59 and through the check valve chamber 49 andpassageway 5| (Fig. 4), to the adjacent end of the bore 38. As pressurebuilds up, the rack plunger 34 will be forced to the opposite end of itsstroke (to the position .shown in Fig. 4), thereby rotating the plug 24counterclockwise through an angle of approximately 90, therebycompleting an operating cycle. Completion of this cycle will be noted bythe operator by observing the rotation of the stem 32 or the indicatorattached thereto.

From the foregoing, it will be clear that the operation of the lubricantmeasuring and distributing apparatus is entirely automatic, requiringmerely that the operator control the fiow'of lubricant to the inlet port66. In some installations it may be desirable to have the supply oflubricant to the inlet port 66 controlled by a part of the machine beinglubricated, and to provide ,,,suitable meansto cause discontinuance ofthe After all of the plungers 98.

operationof the apparatus after it has completed an operating cycle.

It will be noted that each of the cylinders 96 and I04 provides forlubrication of two bearings, and thus twelve bearings may be suppliedwith measured charges of lubricant, the amounts of which may bepredetermined by the adjustment of the set screws I00. In addition, thelubricant charges displaced by the spool valve 46 and by the rackplunger 34 are also supplied to bearings, so that four additionalbearings are supplied with measured charges. The latter four bearingsare preferably such for which the amount of lubricant supplied is notcritical, since there is no means provided for adjustment of the amountsof the charges supplied to the latter four bearings. A total of sixteenbearings may thus be conveniently lubricated by means of the apparatusdisclosed, it being understood, however, that the number of cylinders 98and I04 might be considerably increased if the apparatus is to be usedfor the lubrication of a machine having more than sixteen partsrequiring regular lubrication.

The embodiment shown in Figs. 9 to 16 is generally similar to that ofFigs. 1 to 8, the main differences being in the manner of operation ofthe measuring plungers, since they can operate only one after another,i. e., in series, or progressively. By virtue of the differences in theto be lubricated is positive, and therefore it is not necessary toprovide loaded check valves in order to secure proper segregation of thecharges 0f lubricant supplied to individual bearings.

The body I28 of the apparatus is provided with a bore for the plug valveI30, which is similar in general construction to that previouslydescribed, and operates in a similar manner. Such parts of the apparatusas are similar in form and function to those previously described willnot again be described, and reference characters corresponding to thoseused in the description of Figs. 1 to 8 have been applied to thecorrespondin parts of the modified form of the invention shown in Figs.9 to 16.

Lubricant is supplied to the apparatus from a suitable source oflubricant under pressure, connected to inlet opening I32. Lubricantsupplied through the inlet I32 flows past the annular groove I3 of thespool valve I88 (Fig. 10) to a passageway I34 which leads to theleft-hand (Fig. 10) end of upper measuring cylinder I 35. A plunger I38is reciprocable in the cylinder I36 and, when in its right-hand positionas shown,

-uncovers the end of a diagonal passageway I40 threaded in the body I28.Passageways I35 and MI, complementary to the passageways I34 and I40,are adapted, as will hereinafter appear, to conduct lubricant to theright-hand (Fig. 10) ends of the cylinders I36, I42.

Leading from near the left-hand (Fig. 10) portion of the cylinder I42,is a passageway I40 which, as best shown in Fig. 16, connects withpassageways I41 and I10 terminating at the right-hand (Fig. 11) end oflowermost cylinder I50. A diagonal passageway I52 connects the cylinderI50 with the right-hand end of cylinder I54, while a similar diagonalpassageway end of the rack plungerbore I58. In a similar manner,diagonal. passageways I53 and I5! re- 8 spectively eonnectthecylindenI50: with the .cyl- '=.the.manner described, lubricant .is "dischargedinder I54, and connect the lattenwiththezleft- .from-theopposite endof'itsbore' I58 through pashandendtot the rack plunger-bore I58.sageway. I92. (Fig. .12) and around a groove. in

Connected passagewaysalfiil, NH, and I'll .(Fi the spool xzalvesl88,.tora' discharge lport. I94.lead- 16) leadfrom: the lowermast-cylinderI42 to the ing to a bearing toihe lubricated. A similar pasleft-handend(Ffig. 11) of cylinder. .150. sageway I93 and discharge port I95 areprovided -As shown :in "-Figu15, onehend, of. thezcylinder -=forsupplying lubricant from. the opposite end I36-is connected to the bore.I68 of thervalvelllug of the bore I58 to another .bearing.

I30 by means of a passageway-I63,ewhile the :-After the valve plug ISOis thus'moved clockother endof said cylinderelfifihislprovidedrwithdot-Wise a quarter-turn from .the position -in whicha-similer passageway ve p 139 .it isshown .in therdrawings, and thespool :valve h sh p r l y diametrel p ssageways r1112, I88 ismovedtoatheend ofits stroke opposite that oneofwhich, as seen in Fig.15, connects lone-of shown in Figs. and. 13, lubricant will. be Suphe pw ys lie-wi h n outlet passageway -plied' t0 the cylinder 136 throughthe passageway I14,-which is suitably connected toapart .to b 4-35;andafter theplunger I38. in this cylinder lubricated. When thevalve 'plg vl. 3ll is imoved -has moved to the left (Fig. 10). substantially toclockwise-through epp y' h the .end of its stroke, lubricantwill besupplied me ri alp ss way 1 h re -w ll o through the-diagonal passageway'I4I'to theright- "passageway IB9-with -.passageway I1 le dinato -handendof the cylinder I42. ..As the plunger in another-tit e e 0 helubricated 1 the cylinder 442- nears the end of its leftward In asimilar manner, theopposite end .Ofthe stroke '(Fig. .10) it vwilluncover the end of the cylinders I50and I54 have passageways I16 and.passageway .160 and. 1ub t l t l'fiow WT (Fig. 14) :connected thereto,these .passagethrough this passageway and connected passagewa s-beiadapted e i with diametral ways lfiland ITl :(Fig. :16), to theleft-handend passa ways "B in t -v p u 13." d r (Fig; 11) of-thecylinder I50,-and after it has Connect the passagew ys withpassageoperated the plunger therein, the .lubricant may Ways 189 andrespectively; depending; o flow through the diagonal passageway I53 tothe position t e Valve plug I30. The Valve left-hand end of thecylinderI54, to operate the pl g 0 s als pr vid d ith a diametr l as- :plungertherein. After this plunger has substansage'way'lilz and segmentalpassageway I84 F g-1,30 tially reached the end-0f its stroke, the-end ofthe -13),W c ere d p e as'in the first described passageway I5! "isuncovered topermit lubricant embodiment, to connect the. sour e of lbrican to flow into the left-hand endof thebore llia for n -p s re l v yo the opposite ends the raek lunger to .move the latter to the-right,

1 ofthe bore I for the spool valve I 88,- and to thereby t.-va,1ve,.p]ug 130 t Connect e Otherhnd oflsaid bore e wmclockwise toits assumed original position. A

to belubricatecl, through passageways ISO-701* I9 I. of Operation of.theuappamtus is thus With the spool valve inrthe 10051111011 shown in.pletedL Fig. 13, lubri ant sup-pli d t r h the e 3 It'will'benotedthatin the-embodiment of Figs.

WillYfi p the 1 0 l '9 told as well as in the embodiment of Figs. ..3,ndpassageway I34 into thewleft-hand-end-10in 1 to 8, the spool valve I88,-as well as the rack yli der #136 (Fig. t y fo cing the plunger, alsoserve as charge measuring plungp ger 4-38 in said-cylinder illightwto'the ers so that in theapparatusshown in Figs. 9 to -p0siti0nintwhichit is shown. After the plunger 1 t t of twelve bearings may besupplied .433 passes the .end of the ediagonal :passageway withindividuallymeasured charges of lubricant. qua, l b i nt illflowthroughthelatter p -nIt-will also be noted that in theconstruction-sageway into the left-hand end of cylinder 4,42, f 1 ;,9.1; 1eachplunger t t t n and thus force the plunger .in..said cylinder tcomplete itsoperating stroke- "before lubricant the right. AstheplungersJ38 .mOVG toithe ig y may be upplied .130 .operate the next plunger vofthe lubricant chargesin the right-.handqendspf -t ries. The-systern-m tb described theirrespectirve cy nde s will the forced to-ith i-tec asseries or progressive system, as these terms respective bearings throughthe passageways 110, are customarilyuseduin the art.

I72, andxlflt (Fig. '15). the lower plunger In ,both embodim ents,..it.iswnecessary merely I38'has.-m-oved-to the endof-its strokegit'uncovers to supply lubricant. linlet the end ofpassageway I46 (-'F1g:=1Q); whrchperrams whereupon a complete Operating cycle mits thelubricant to'xflow lnto'thls passageway will ensure.

* P gh "While I have shown and described particular to the nght"hand F1510' embodiments of-my invention, it will'be apparent cause plungertoelect measmedcbarge that numerous --va-riations and ;modificationsf'.-lubricant toits.associatedhearingria ldxthere- ,thereof may be madeWithout departing from the after uncover.-*the 10wer end of the.passagewey go underlying" prmciples of h ir'wentionl whereby'lubrlcant1S 'su-pplledv to the cyhn' fore desire,'- by the following claims, toinclude der I54. within the scope of-my'invention all such varia- -Asthe plunger 1n the latter cylinderiapproaches .tions and modificationsby which substantially the end of its-stroke, it uncovers zthe. lowerend h results of m Obtain-ed of passageway I58, thereby permittinglu'bmc -fi through the use of substantially the same or -'toifiow tothe'rightehanclitFig; 11-) endoftherack h plunger bore I 58. Thelubricantpressureexerted I I claim. "upon thls plunger forces the latterto move -In a centralizedylubricating apparatus, the wthe. left (Fig.11) and thereby rotate the ".valve ,cgmbmation of a Spool Valve, a rackplunger a p wis Fig. .13) throughanangle ofs-..plurality ofmeasuringpistonsj, and a valve plug, approximately Such clockwise=rotat10n .of a body having outlebports and-bores respective "the valveplug reverses the connections to xthe 31y, for saidv va1Ves,..p1ungeI-pistons, and..va1ye -end$ 1 valveii'hole I; 'sorithfetuthe -plug;means'eontrolled by said-spo'ol-valveto con- -latter is moved to theright-hand: end (Flg'u' lo) )d ct lubricant tooneend-of each-of-said-mea of its k t e p eerlfiemoves-i --uring pistonbores-when'in-one-pos1tion-andeto convey lubricant to the opposite ends of said boreswhen in another position, a plurality of passageways formed in part insaid body and in part in said valve plug to control the supply anddischarge of lubricant to and from the opposite ends of said spool valvebore, passageways in said valve plug for connecting adjacent ends ofsaid measuring cylinders to some of said outlet ports when in oneposition and connecting the opposite ends of said measuring cylinders toother of said outlet ports when in a different position, means forconducting lubricant under pressure to one end of said rack plunger boreafter all of said pistons have been operated in one direction, therebyto rotate said valve plug and reverse the connections to the ends ofsaid spool valve bore and to connect the other ends of said measuringcylinders to their respective outlet ports, and means operable uponcompletion of the resulting reverse movement of said measuring pistonsto cause said rack plunger to return said valve plug to its originalposition.

2. In an apparatus for supplying a plurality of parts with measuredcharges of lubricant, the combination of a body having an inlet opening,a plurality of discharge openings and a generally central bore; a valveplug seated in said bore, a directional spool valve reciprocable in acomplementary bore formed in said body, passageways in the body and plugfor conveying lubricant from i the inlet to the opposite endsof thespool valve bore depending upon the position of the valve plug, aplurality of measuring cylinders formed in said body, passageways insaid body connecting said inlet opening through said spool valvesequentially with one end of each of said measuring cylinders,passageways extending through said valve plug for conveying lubricantfrom the opposite ends of said measuring cylinders to bearings to belubricated, and means including a reciprocable plunger operablyconnected to the plug valve and operated by the lubricant pressure afterthe lubricant has been ejected from each of said measuring cylinders, torotate said valve plug and thereby to connect the other ends of saidmeasuring cylinders respectively to parts to be supplied with lubricant.

3. In a centralized lubricating apparatus, the combination of a spoolvalve, a rack plunger, a plurality of measuring pistons, and a valveplug; a body having bores respectively for said spool valve, plunger,and valve plug, and measuring cylinders for said pistons; meanscontrolled by said spool valve to conduct lubricant to one end of eachof said measuring cylinders when in one position and to conductlubricant to the opposite ends of said cylinders when in anotherposition, a plurality of passageways formed in part in said body and inpart in said valve plug to control the supply and discharge of lubricantto and from the opposite ends of said spool valve bore, a plurality ofoutlet ports in said body for connection to parts to be supplied withlubricant, passageways in said valve plug for connecting adjacent endsofsaid measuring cylinders to some of said outlet ports when the plug isin one position and connecting the opposite ends of said measuringcylinders to other outlet ports when the plug is in a differentposition, means for conducting lubricant under pressure to one end of.said plunger bore after all'of said pistons have been operated in onedirection, thereby to rotate said valve plug and reverse the connectionsto the ends of said spool valve bore and to connect the other ends ofsaid measuring cyl- 1'0 inders to their respective outlet ports, andmeans operable upon completion of the resulting reverse movement of saidmeasuring pistons to cause said plunger to return said valve plug to itsoriginal position. 1

4. The combination set forth in claim 3, in which the passagewaysconnecting said measuring cylinders are arranged to cause progressiveoperation of said measuring pistons.

5. The combination set forth in claim 3, in which the ends of adjacentmeasuring cylinders are connected by passageways, and in which springloaded check valves are located'in said passageways, said check'valvesbeing loaded to open after the measuring piston of the precedingmeasuring cylinder in the series hasbeen moved substantially to the endof its operative stroke.

6. In a centralized lubricating system, the combination of a bodyforming the cylinders of a series of progressively operating lubricantcharge measuring valves and having an inlet connection, passagewaysconnecting the cylinders in series, and a plurality of outletconnections, a reciprocable piston in each of the cylinders, atwo-position valve plug in said body having passageways operable whenasid plug is in one position to connect one end of each of saidmeasuring valve cylinders to one of said outlets and operable when inits other position to connect the other ends of said measuring valvecylinders respectively to other outlets, lubricant pressure operatedmeans for moving said valve plug between its two positions, and adirectional valve controlled by said valve plug to connect saidinletalternately with the opposite ends of the measuring valvesrespectively at the beginning and end of the series.

7. In a centralized lubricating system, the combination of a unitarybody containing a series of progressively operating reversible lubricantcharge measuring devices each associated with two lubricant outlets andeach having two inlet ports, means having a lubricant supply port forconnection with a source of lubricant under pressure, each of saidcharge measuring devices ineluding a cylinder and a piston reciprocabletherein, passageways in the body connecting a valve port in eachcylinder with the inlet port of the next cylinder of the series, thevalve port being positioned so as to be uncovered by its associatedpiston only when the latter has been moved substantially to the end ofits stroke, means operable by lubricant under pressure conducted throughsaid lubricant supply'port to cause lubricant to flow to one of saidinlet ports of each of said devices in succession thereby to causeoperation of said devices progressively in one direction, and meansoperated by lubricant pressure upon completion of the operation of thelast in the series of said devices in said direction effectively toconnect each of said devices to one of its outlets and disconnect itfrom its other outlet and to connect said supply port to the other inletports of said devices in succession and thereby to causethe operation ofsaid devices in a reverse direction.

8. In a centralized lubricating system, a plurality of measuringcylinders having an outlet port at each end for connection withassociated parts to be lubricated; a source of lubricant under pressure;rotary valve means common to all of said measuring cylinders andoperable by lubricant pressure to connect said source with one end ofeach of said cylinders, to close the outlet ports at said ends of saidcylinders and to connect the outlet ports at opposite ends of saidcylinders to their: respective: bearings; pistons in .said cylindersrespectively operableaby-lubricant pressure to force, lubricant; fromsaid :cylinders'through .the outlet ports connectedwith theirassociatedparts to be lubricated; and means including said'rotary Valve operable--uponcompletion of: the; discharge of lubricant to said, parts to:connect the source of lubricant to the oppositeendsroiasaidicylinders;to cut off the outlet ports from said-'lastmamed ends;ofsaid cylinders,.and to connectwthe: previously closed outlet ports to-their: associatedparts to be lubricated.

9.- Inacentralized lubricating. apparatus, a unitary assemblyincludingaplurality of lubricant charge measuring devices eachcomprising a .cy-l.-- inder having an inlettport andanzoutlet'port atits end A and at its endi-B; a. lubricant supply port for-connection-toaisource ofdubricant under pressure; i rotary-valve means? common:- toall of; said lubricant charge measuring: devicesnnd. operated bylubricant under pressure conducted through said supply porttofconnectthe latter to 1511851111617 ports atthe ends- A-Dfl said cylinders; toclose; the outlet-ports; at the ends: A; and to con-- nect the. outletports at the: endsB respectively to. parts to r be lubricated; pistonsin .said cylinders. reciprocablebylubricant pressurela-nd oper. ableto.discharge lubricantthrough the. outlet ports at the ends-B-whenlubricant is supplied to the inlet ports at theends -A of saidcylinders; ,means 21ncluding the rotary'valve operable by lubrica-ntpressure after-saidpistons have completed their:- operation in :onedirection todisconnect said lu-.-

bricant supply port from .said .inlet vportsxatthe ends A of saidcylinders-and; to connect-it-tothe inlet ports at the -ends"B-of'saidlcylinders; to. disconnect the-outlet ports :atthe iendssB or saidcylinders from their associated-parts to, be lubricated. and to connectthe :outlet portsiatithe ends.

Aof-said cylinders to theirrespective partsto be.

lubricated;

10. A unitary; structure: for supplying each of a plurality of par'rsto:belubricatedwlth a Incasured'charge of lubricant, comprisingga bodyhaving -alubricant-supply port forconnection- 1 to a source oflubricantunder pressure and :a plurality of outlet :portsior connectionwith the-parts to be supplied with lubricant;a:series-orreversiblelubricant measuring devices of. the-progressivelyoperating type mounted within said-rbody, lubricant pressure operatedrotaryrvalve means-common to all of said devices:for'simultaneousl-yconnecting one of the discharge ports 'ofieach ofsaid devices to one of said-outlet ports. and-connecting the inlet atone end of the'first'iof the series of said'devices with saidlubricantsupplyport; and means. including the rotary valveoperated bylubricant pressure after'the last device of said series has beenoperated simultaneously to connect the other discharge port'of'eachoffsaid devices with other of said outlet :portsrandito connectsaid lubricant supply port to the inlet attheother end of the first of*saidseriesrof devices:

11. In a centralizedv lubricating :systemya group of lubricant chargemeasuring devices each-for the supply of lubricant to a pair of-ioutletsfor connection to parts. to be lubricated; eachof said devices having apair of discharge ports and operable on alternate half-cycles: of ithelroperation to discharge lubricant alternately from said ports, a unitaryrotaryvalve operableiwhen in one position to connect'one outlet port of:each of saidv devices to one of a groupof said outlets, and when inanother position. to. connect the outlet ports at the oth'erends of.said devices to outlets 12 of a different group, andLlubricanti'pressure' operated means-tomotatesaid valve alternatelybetween .its two saidtpositions upon completion of the operation: ofsupplying lubricant to said groups of .outlets.

12.. Inc, centralized lubricating system'for supplying a I plurality ofparts with-measured charges of lubricant, the combinationzof'a bodyhaving aplurality'ofdouble acting lubricant charge measuring'devicesmounted therein, passageways in said body for conducting lubricantseriatim-to said-devices for causingitheir operation in one direction,additional passageways. in said' body connecting said devices seriatimfor. causingtheir operation in the opposite direction, a plurality ofoutlet ports in'said body for connection to the parts-to be suppliedwith. measured charges of lubricant, a-unitary rotary valvemechanism'for' alternately connecting the opposite ends of said devicesrespectively toionevorthe other group of outlet ports,means-renderedeffective upon the completion of the operation ofthelast'to operate of/said devicesto change thevposition of saidunitaryvalve-mechanism; a lubricant supply port'for connection to a source'oflubricant under'pres sure, and means controlled by said unitary valvemechanismfor connecting said supply port alternately with the oppositecndsxof therfirst ofs'aid' series of devices.

13.. Ina centralizedv lubricating apparatus, the combination of abodyhaving a valve plug r0-- tatable therein, a'plunger operativelyconnected to said plug to rotate the latter; a' spool valve; a pluralityoi measuring cylinders; each of said cylinders having a right hand endand a lefthan'dpressure to one end of said plunger thereby-to rotatesaid valve plug to a position to reversethe operating connections tosaid spoolvalve, and passageways having portions: thereof extendingthrough said valve plug for supplying lubricant from.- the ends of saidmeasuring cylinders to bearings to be lubricated JOHN T. LEONARD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references areof record' in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES. PATENTS" Number Name Date 1,763,426 Fraser June 10; 19301,805,303 Barks May 12, 1931 1,805,609 Wilson May 19, 1931 1,932,976Lamb. e Oct. 31, 1933 1,935,873 Davis Nov. 21, 1933 2,208,845. HillisJuly 23,1940- 2,255,665- Hillis Sept. 9,1941.

1 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 22,083 Great Britain'- 1897741,283 France Dec.'-3,-1932' Certificate of Correction Patent No.2,511,779 June 13, 1950 JOHN T. LEONARD It is hereby certified thaterrors appear in the printed specification of the above numbered patentrequiring correction as follows:

Column 6, line 78, after the word passageway insert 156 connects thecylinder 154 to the right-hand; column 10, line 26, for asid read said;column 12, list of references cited, under UNITED STATES PATENTS add thefollowing:

2,146,424 Dirlces Feb. 7,1939 2,232,307 Barker Feb. 18,1941

and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these correctionstherein that the same may conform to the record of the case in thePatent Ofiice.

Signed and sealed this 12th day of September, A. D. 1950.

[SEAL] THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Oomwnisse'oner of Patents.

